The Cross of Discipleship

The following are actual responses from comment cards given to the staff at Bridger Wilderness Area National Forest in Wyoming.

◆Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.

◆Trails need to be wider so people can walk holding hands

◆Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the areas of these pests.

◆Please pave the trails. 

◆Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.

◆The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.

◆Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.

◆A MacDonald’s would be nice at the trailhead.

◆Too many rocks in the mountains. 

While these comments contain an element of humor, they are a sad reflection of how easy life has become. People want the view without the work.  They seek the mountain peak without the climb.  They want to enjoy the scenery without expending the effort.  And they don’t understand what it means to stay in the wilderness! 

Sadder yet are those who bring those kind of expectations into the church.  Some folks don’t understand what it means to follow Jesus.  They are wanting “Christianity at my convenience.”  It is called “Faith lite.”  Their theme song is, “take my life and let me be.”  

No where did Jesus ever say that following him would be comfortable or convenient. 

In fact, the one term that is used more than any other in the Bible to identify someone who belongs to Jesus is the word “disciple.”  Not Christian.  Not Saint. Not Believer.  But Disciple. “The disciples were called Christian first in Antioch.” (Ac 11:26).  Before they were called Christians they were disciples.

 270 times this term is used.  It’s fitting because discipleship relates to discipline.  A disciple is a follower. A pupil.  A learner. One who is dedicated to follow another’s teaching.  Ken Hempbill says that “discipleship is an ongoing process, not a quick fix.”  Baptism is an event.  It happens once.  But discipleship is a process.  It continues.  And it takes work. 

Jesus said, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Lk. 14:27). 

Discipleship is not easy.  It requires a cross to bear. 

It may be a cross of loss. Jesus gave up everything.  All of his prerogatives. His privileges.  His possessions.   As his followers, we may indeed suffer loss. 

It may be a cross of reproach.  Crucifixion was a shameful death.  It was reserved for the dregs of society.  Christianity is not always popular.  By following Jesus, you may have to endure the reproaches of His enemies. 

It may be a cross of pain and suffering.  We are not promised a painless life, free of problems, challenges or heartache. 

It may be a cross of death. No, it will be!  Maybe not physical death.  But death of the canal man.  A Death of the deeds, desires, and demeanor of this world. 

Forget walking a paved trail. With no rocks in the road.  And no hills to climb.  However, when we get to the top, it will be worth it.  The view will be grand.  Paul thought so when he wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18) 

You see, as my friend Dee Bowman says, “If you miss heaven, you’ve just missed all there is.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman